President Donald Trump notched another Primary victory Tuesday as his endorsed candidate, Rep. John James, won Michigan's Republican gubernatorial nomination.
According to the Associated Press, James defeated businessman Perry Johnson in a closely watched Primary that tested Trump's influence in one of the nation's most important battleground states.
He now advances to the general election, where he will face Democratic nominee Jocelyn Benson, Michigan's two-term secretary of state, in the race to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Fox News further reported that Trump endorsed James in late June, giving the congressman a significant boost heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
James, a West Point graduate and Army Ranger, served multiple combat tours in Iraq as an Apache helicopter pilot before entering Politics.
He previously ran twice for the U.S. Senate before winning election to Congress.
The Republican Primary became increasingly contentious as Election Day approached.
Johnson, a wealthy businessman and former candidate for governor and president, invested millions of dollars of his own money into the race and outspent James throughout the campaign.
During the contest, Johnson referred to James as a "DEI candidate" and accused him of playing the "race card," allegations James dismissed while describing his opponent as "desperate."
Speaking before the Primary, James downplayed Johnson's financial advantage.
"Nobody outworks a ranger," James said, adding that voters wanted a candidate with leadership experience rather than simply the largest campaign budget.
Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and state Senate
Republican leader Aric Nesbitt had also entered the Republican Primary earlier in the election cycle but suspended their campaigns before voting began. Their names remained on the ballot.
James' victory adds to a string of successful Republican primaries for candidates backed by President Donald Trump during the 2026 election cycle.
The president's endorsements helped propel candidates to victories in several high-profile races this year, including contests in Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, Louisiana, New York and Arizona. Trump also celebrated wins in Georgia and Alabama runoff elections, although not every endorsed candidate has prevailed.
One notable setback came in Iowa, where Rep. Randy Feenstra fell short despite receiving Trump's endorsement late in the campaign.
Attention now shifts to the Michigan general election, where James and Benson are expected to compete in one of the country's most closely watched governor's races.
The outcome could carry national significance as both parties look to strengthen their position in a critical swing state ahead of the midterm elections.